Did you know that apples work as natural breath fresheners? They are also high in vitamin C which keeps the immune system up, and are a good source of fiber to keep bad cholesterol in check. With these juicy benefits, wouldn’t you want your kids to stuff themselves silly with apples?
If you want your little school-goer to be like Cookie Monster, who ate all the apples in the video above, read on. Here are interesting recipes that can get your child to enjoy eating apples, as well as its health benefits.
Healthy Snacks for Kids:
For a fun surprise, pack a big smiling apple-goo of a mouth in your kid’s lunchbox. I’m sure she will be all smiles, pun definitely intended, once her eyes feast on this unique snack. Of course, if your kid is not a fan of peanut butter, you can ditch it.
This is a good replacement for those sodium-laden potato chips, plus it is extremely easy to do. Just core an apple, slice it up horizontally and bake for 3 hours. Really, that’s it.
Do you want to keep your kid’s mind working even during snack time? Have her assemble an apple puzzle before eating it. This is a really simple and easy-to-prepare snack. Just cut up an apple (according to instructions), and randomly pack the pieces in a food container.
Can’t shake Halloween off just yet? Pack this little monster in your kid’s lunchbox and you can be guaranteed that she will devour the little (healthy) critter.
This not-so-scary monster is easy to make and fun to eat! All you need are toothpicks, marshmallows, almonds and of course, the apple. You can substitute marshmallow eyes with grapes too, for a much healthier snack.
Note: For younger kids, talk to their teacher about removing any toothpicks on the snack prior to eating. Safety should always come first.
These recipes are fun and unbelievably easy to do. They do not require a lot of money or time, which is perfect for you. Yes you, the hands-on busy mom who wants to make snack time unique and most of all, healthy for your kids.
One Last Note: Apple Bath
To prevent the apples from browning fast, place the sliced pieces into a lemon and water bath. Leave them for 2-3 minutes, and let the lemon work its magic. Pat dry before using. As an alternative, brush lemon juice directly on the slices.
Enjoy!
Got any creations of your own? Do share them by leaving a comment below.
P.S. Thanks to the 3 creative moms who thought up these recipes: Cindy of Fix Me A Snack, Shauna from My Shae Noel and Tiffany from Cute Food For Kids.
About Anne Mercado
These are cute recipes for apple snacks. my daughters like apples but they don’t like the peel.
On our Halloween Party we had the Apple Monsters, they are cute and tasty!
Thanks for sharing!
What does Thanksgiving mean to you?
I made the apple monsters too and I ended up eating some of them. I’m amazed at how easy they are to make. Thanks for dropping by.
Found your blog on Voiceboks…love it. I hope you will come check mine out too. It’s catered towards crafts and activities for kids. http://www.jugglingwithkids.com/
Hi there. Thank you, I’m glad you like the blog. And yes, will visit yours soon, I love discovering interesting craft ideas for kids.
Some great apple snacks! I like the Dentist mouth-I love peanutbutter!! YUM Stopping by with vB
Wordless Wednesday — THANKFUL—
Twitter: ReviewsSheROTE
I like peanut butter too but would rather eat it with bananas. Thanks for dropping by, Pamela.
I love PB with bananas as well. It’s been a while since I’ve had one – thanks for reminding me – LOL!
Mommy & Me Tumbling Fun
Twitter: imasillymami
Have you ever tried a peanutbutter-jelly-banana sandwich? You might want to…
Can’t say that I have but I think I will try it. Doesn’t sound too bad-LOL! thanks!
Mommy & Me Tumbling Fun
Twitter: imasillymami
I get weird stares when I mention it to people. It’s worth a try
Anne, this is a great and very healthy post! I love your website. The colors are fantastic.
Fortunately, I’m one of those moms who has been blessed with children who are little fruit monsters. They love fruit and will eat it anywhere, any way, and any time. My 3yr old has an apple or a pear every morning with breakfast. She loves them…skin and all. Now vegetables…that’s another story. But I’ll take the win on the fruit! Lol!
Wishing you a very safe and happy Thanksgiving!
~Hugs,
Rosann
Twitter: ChrstianSuprMom
Hi Rosann! I’m very glad that your kids are fruit monsters. Mine is somewhat picky when it comes to fruits. I remember he told me he didn’t want to eat the apple monsters I made for him because it “looked scary.” And getting kids to eat veggies are trickier than fruits. I have a guest post coming up on how to encourage kids to eat veggies, I’ll let you know when it’s out. In case you want to read it.
Hi Anne,
Thank you so much for the links. I hope your readers like my apple puzzle and monsters.
Thanks again
Best
Tiffany
Hi Tiffany! You are most welcome. Keep the creative food ideas coming
Two of my three children love apples!! Thanks for some great fun suggestions! Love them! Hope you and yours have a great holiday!!
Hi Kathy, unfortunately my son isn’t so crazy about apples which is why I had to look for fun ways to get him to eat it. Hope your kids have fun munching on these delicious creations. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family as well. Thanks for stopping by!
Visiting from VB and now following!
Traveling with Kids
Twitter: mentalchew
Hi Val! Thanks for following and dropping by. Talk to you later.
My kids love apples! Thanks for sharing all that great information! Visiting from vB! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Healthy & Tasty Crackers
Hi Michele! Apple seems to be a popular fruit with the young ones, which is why anytime we can dress them up, it’s awesome. Happy Thanksgiving as well
What neat ideas! I love the idea of the apple puzzle! And we’ve made dried apple snacks before by using our food dehydrator, but they end up having to be in the dehydrator for 18+ hours. I had no idea you could just stick them in the oven and have apple chips in 3 hours! How unbelievably easy! Love it!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and thanks for sharing these neat recipes!
Smiles, Jenn @Misadventures in Motherhood
Who Stole My Pants?
Twitter: mymisadventure
Hi Jenn. 18 hours to make dried apples?? Geez, that’s an incredibly long time. I’m glad you like the recipes, but the real thanks goes out to the amazing moms who worked laboriously (wink) on their kitchen counters to make these creative goodies. Happy Thanksgiving to you too.
found you thru MBS
I like the homemade Apple Chips 
Hi Jessica, yup the home made apples look great! If you try them let me know how they will turn out
thanks for dropping by.
These are such great ideas
Muffin Tin Monday- Advent 2011
Oh wow, I apologize for the late reply! Glad you like the ideas. Got another fruit spotlight coming out this week, you may watch out for it if you’d like.
What great ideas! My kids love apples, so they would love these treats!! I did not realize it’s that easy to make apple chips, I’m going to try that tomorrow! Thanks! You have such a fun site and I love the name, just great!!
It’s the Little Things
I’m glad you like the ideas, very creative moms came up with them indeed. Let me know how your dried apples turn out.. I’m sure they’ll be great though.
Nice! Sam is currently into apples (thanks to our pedia dentist visit. I will make a note of these – particularly the dipping in Lemon Juice!
The Pediatric Dentist Check-Up
Twitter: mymommyology
The recipes are quick (except for the dried apples) and simple to make. Perfect for busy moms. Hope Sam enjoys them all!